Winter in Hobsons Bay - choose your adventure
With a diverse range of parks, high streets and arts and cultural activities, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Hobsons Bay. Throw on your beanie, grab a coffee and explore Hobsons Bay this winter.
MORNING
Option one:
Start your morning with a brisk walk along the beach or one of Hobsons Bays many trails. While some may write outdoor activities off during winter, the diverse flora and fauna take on new seasonal variations and are not to be missed. Enjoy the tranquil bushland of Newport Lakes, the salt marsh and mangroves in Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve, or the sweeping panoramic views at Truganina Coastal Parklands. While you are out, be sure to look for yellow-faced honey eaters, the swift parrot, or the rare spotless crake.
For more information on nature and wildlife experiences in Hobsons Bay click here.
Option two:
Prefer to spend your time wandering through market stalls and meeting local traders? You will find a local market on every Tuesday and most weekends within Hobsons Bay. Depending on the market, you are bound to be impressed by the range of local produce, plants, arts and crafts, and gifts on offer.
Altona Beach Market – Every Tuesday (Currently postponed until Pier Street construction is complete)
Altona Meadows Farmers Market – First Sunday of the month
Cherry Lake Market – First Sunday of the month
Williamstown Farmers Market – Second Sunday of the month
Williamstown Craft Market – Third Sunday of the month
Slow Food Melbourne Farmer’s Market – Fourth Saturday of the month
AFTERNOON
Option one:
Spend the afternoon visiting an art exhibition or book in for a workshop in one of Hobsons Bays art spaces.
The Substation features contemporary, experimental art by local, national and international artists throughout the year and provides the opportunity for artists and audiences to connect with the unique space and the distinctive location of Newport.
The Substation Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm with extended hours on Friday to 8pm.
Woods Street Art Space provides a shopfront style facility for community groups to host art exhibitions, residencies and facilitate workshops.
Louis Joel Gallery encourages and supports emerging and established artists as well as community groups who wish to exhibit at the gallery or hold workshops.
Option two:
Scienceworks is bursting with things to challenge curious minds of all ages. In just one visit, you can stroll among the gigantic machines that kept the city running, enjoy electrifying theatre in the Lightning Room, let your little ones roam safely in enclosed and engaging spaces, wander through immersive exhibitions and drop into deep space in the Melbourne Planetarium. This is a perfect activity for the whole family on a cold and wintery day.
EVENING
Option one:
Explore Hobsons Bays nightlife, grab a counter meal, or just sip a mulled wine, hot toddy, or an Irish coffee in one of Hobsons Bays many pubs & hotels.
Hobsons Bay Hotel, Williamstown | Stand by the fireplace or take in the breathtaking views of Williamstown Bay on the rooftop bar in this newly established modern pub founded by a team of chefs from some of Melbourne’s finest establishments.
Customs House Hotel, Williamstown | From live music to karaoke, there is always something on at Customs House Hotel.
Spotswood Hotel, Spotswood | The Spotty features regular live music and live sport on the biggest screen in the west.
Junction Hotel, Newport | With a beer hall, wine room and magnificent beer garden, the Junction is a bustling meeting place for quality drinks and a mouth-watering wholesome meal.
Bar Joliet, Altona | Get cozy in an upholstered chair while listening to vinyl records in this quaint suburban bar.
Option two:
Dare to be spooked on a Lantern Ghost Tour where you will explore King William’s Town, the original capital of Victoria, by lamp light. Steeped with history, apparitions, alleyways, and lager it was once a thriving town full of colourful ladies, drunken sailors and convicts. Visit abandoned morgues, forgotten burial grounds and hidden laneways in Victoria's most historic seaport.
Tours run for 2 hours from 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.